It is easy to fall for the complete experience Vermont Teddy Bear creates for their customers. It starts at the comprehensive website, which has pictures of their many teddies, separated into categories like “Get Well,” “New Baby,” “Sports Bears,” and “Valentines Day.”

But the real home run comes when the package arrives at your door—the VTB boxes have a countryside motif and an airhole for the bears inside, and has a heartfelt note on the outside about the importance keeping it the right way up (hint: sky-up, countryside down) so the bears don’t get headaches - pure doorstep theatre. Inside there is personalized gift card (the site has suggested notes for each bear) and free gourmet bear chocolate.

The actual teddy bears are great too. They have that old-school “where can you buy something like this nowadays” feel. The joints swivel, and so the bears have firm stuffing—they aren’t insanely cuddly. But kids have been loving bears like these for years—and they’re more realistic than plush toys. They have a real quality feel to them.

Two Bears in Love
The weak link, at least in this short test, was the fur. It felt synthetic, which in itself might be no bad thing, but a few hairs were shed during cuddling and the bear itself seems so robust that it would be a shame if the fur wore out prematurely. It likely not be an issue unless the bear was very heavily used, but it should be noted nonetheless (more information about country of origin of the fabrics, stuffing and clothing coming soon—all bears are assembled in the USA).Vermont Teddy Bears come with a lifetime guarantee—if anything ever happens to the bear you can send it to the Teddy Bear factory to be nursed back to health at the Bear Hospital. From the Guarantee Page (may not be completely up to date):

“Every once in a while a tragedy will strike - a dog attack, a chance meeting with a lawn mower. When this happens it is very easy to become upset, lose your cool, maybe even freak out! But NEVER FEAR, health care is here, and we are not just talkin’ any old health care, we are talkin’ FREE, full coverage health care for your Bear’s entire lifetime…….He will have premium accommodations including the finest health care staff, exceptional dining facilities and use of the day spa.

Dr. Helen is a trained Teddy Bear MD who will assess the injury, perform the surgery, and help with physical therapy to get him back into his perfectly chubby shape as soon as possible. If by chance your Bear was too badly injured with no hope of recovery, we will replace your Bear with a new one for FREE!”

Lucy Bear with her husband Paul
The bears are washable, although should never be put them in the dryer, because as the site says, they are Vermonters and cannot stand the heat!

Everyone I spoke with at Vermont Teddy Bear was wildly friendly and enthusiastic. They are a very nice bunch!

More information:

Home Page
Valentines Day Bears
Testimonials